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I’ve always loved foodservice. I started my journey with foodservice as a teenager. I worked at a Subway restaurant as a teen. After that I worked at Burger King and some other food establishments. That’s when I really developed a passion for the foodservice industry. I liked it because, in my nature, I’m about making people happy and being around people. The foodservice industry is an industry that really makes people happy.

The most important thing in this business is to bring value to what we do. I believe that each of us as human beings has a moral obligation to bring value to people, to the world, to communities. I believe that our brand is one where our mission is to make people smile. And we really do that. We really live and breath what our mission is. My team today that accounts for more than 5,000 team members and approximately 400 franchisees worldwide, that team is really committed to making everyone smile.

One of the best lessons I’ve learned is to build your brand to become the No. 1 brand in your category. No. 2 just doesn’t cut it. The most important thing is to become No. 1 in your category, because that’s where the most momentum will come to you.

I like to think not only about the future, but I always like to go from there to here, and not from here to there. I envision where we want to be, and I go back from that point to where we are today and think about what steps need to take place. What inspires me is looking at brands that have done it right and are really global leaders: Looking at the McDonald’s of the world, looking at the Apples of the world, looking at the Amazons of the world—those brands that have not only done it right, but really became global leaders. And they all have something very simple in common: All of them are very well positioned and all of them always thought big and always aspired to be No. 1. No. 2 was never of any interest to them.

I’m not necessarily looking for me to be remembered, but rather, for what we have built as a team. That’s the most important component.

What is your favorite yogurt flavor?

I dream of Cookies and Cream.

What is your favorite restaurant or type of food (excluding Menchie’s)?